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Authenticating femtocell-connected mobile devices

Authenticating femtocell-connected mobile devices description/claims

This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/939,823, filed on May 23, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention relates to communication networks and, more particularly, to authenticating femtocell-connected mobile devices.

Communication networks include wired and wireless networks. Example wired networks include the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet. Example wireless networks include cellular networks as well as unlicensed wireless networks that connect to wire networks. Calls and other communications may be connected across wired and wireless networks.

Cellular networks are radio networks made up of a number of radio cells, or macrocells, that are each served by a base station or other fixed transceiver. The macrocells are used to cover different areas in order to provide radio coverage over a wide area. When a cell phone moves from place to place, it is handed off from macrocell to macrocell to maintain a connection. The handoff mechanism differs depending on the type of cellular network. Example cellular networks include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and CDMA2000. Cellular networks communicate in a radio frequency band licensed and controlled by the government.

The present disclosure includes a method and system for authenticating femtocell-connected mobile devices. In some implementations, a method includes receiving information associated with an authentication request transmitted by a cellular core network. The information is internetworked between a cellular radio technology and the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for authenticating a cellular device in a femtocell.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate call flows for authenticating a femtocell-connected mobile device in the communication system of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 3A and 3C are flow charts illustrating example flow charts for internetworking authentication information in the system of FIG. 1.

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